Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Faruk E Azam has called on the United Nations (UN) to formulate a clear roadmap for the safe and sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens to their homeland.

“We want the UN to prepare an explicit roadmap for the safe and sustainable repatriation of the Myanmar citizens who took shelter in Bangladesh after being displaced from Rakhine State in Myanmar,” the adviser said during a meeting with UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Myanmar, Julie Bishop, at his secretariat office.

Faruk E Azam emphasized that Bangladesh has provided shelter to the Rohingya community on humanitarian grounds, but a lasting solution lies in their return to Myanmar. He warned that their prolonged stay in Cox’s Bazar has negatively impacted the region and urged for immediate repatriation to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

“If the repatriation does not begin soon, it will not only worsen the overall situation in the area but also create unrest beyond the camps,” he cautioned.

UN Engaged in Discussions on Rohingya Repatriation

During the meeting, various aspects of the Rohingya crisis were discussed, including the Bhasan Char project, which provides opportunities for economic engagement for the displaced population. The adviser acknowledged the UN’s humanitarian assistance in Bhasan Char and urged continued cooperation.

Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, also briefed the UN envoy on the security challenges within the Rohingya camps.

In response, Julie Bishop informed the adviser that the UN is actively engaged in communication and discussions with internal and external stakeholders in Myanmar, along with UN member states, to create a favorable environment for the early commencement of repatriation.

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